I need help converting my A/C system to R-134A, wat do i need?

 

If the system is still in relatively good shape, I think it would be best to pay the $30-$40 pound and top it off with R-12. Just make sure all leaks are taken care of first.

I converted my car to R-134, and it was a lot of work, and it doesn't cool as well as with R-12.

If you go ahead with the conversion, at the least you're going to need all new barrier hoses, the entire system placed under a strong vacuum, and a new dryer. The old R-12 oil is incompatible with the new R-134 oil, so the system has to be clean. I have also heard it is a good idea to switch to a Blue Ford orifice.

There are some r-12 substitutes, such as Freeze-12 and autofrost, but I have heard mixed reviews of these products.

This is a great website to get additional info:
http://www.autoacforum.com/

 

just fill it up with freeze12, its a hell of a lot cheaper then r12, and works better then r134. if you do change to r134, you need, a new drier, orfice tube, plus fittings and r134( of course). ive done both, freeze 12 is easier, and you can find it at most part stores. G/L.

 

My mechanic friend says the freeze12 is the best way to go, my a/c is now ICE COLD w/it.

 

Thanks guys i'll keep that in mind when i fix it in summer of 2007, its too cold right now lol

 

It's good to hear some first-hand experiences from people having good experiences with Freeze-12. I've heard AC technicians say this stuff is snake-oil.

Of course, it's in their interest to say this so you'll spend over $300-$500 to have your system converted.

 

Or if you're cheap, you borrow a set of adapter fittings and a can tapper, buy 3 cans of R134A on sale at Walmart in December when they're $4 each. Vent the R12 into your approved containment system (garage) and refill with R134a from cans. You can speed the process by unplugging the harness from the evaporator canister and jumpering the wires. You could also substitute the oil charge for one can of 134A.

There's a right way and a wrong way to do everything, and to do a 134A conversion right means expensive specialty tools and pricey hardware. It's not really a shadetree project. On the other hand, the above cheap corner cutting method does work. It'll blow colder then the ambient air, sometimes it even results in R12-like performance. Worst case result is a scenario that requires replacing the compressor, drier, orifice tube, etc, but that's all stuff you'd want to do if you want it RIGHT to begin with.

 

silly question, but where is the orifice tube on our cars???